The Red and the Black
Stendhal basically invented the modern psychological novel — a book driven by what a character thinks and wants rather than what happens to him.
“A novel is a mirror carried along a high road.”
Why It Matters
Stendhal basically invented the modern psychological novel — a book driven by what a character thinks and wants rather than what happens to him. Julien Sorel is the prototype for every ambitious young man fighting a class system rigged against him. The book's clinical dissection of ambition, hypocrisy, and self-deception still feels uncomfortably current.
The 
Take
Personal reviewThought it was great, awesome depiction of the ambitious sorel with his 2 love interests. Liked the ending too, loved the abrupt climax , no ruminating. The push and pull throughout the book was great
Notable Quotes
“I see nothing but condemnation upon condemnation, and all because of a man who dared to rise above his station.”
“One can acquire everything in solitude except character.”